China’s Growing Influence and the Gaza Position
China has supported Arab positions on Gaza and even hosted Hamas in Beijing to mediate the conflict.
This has improved China’s image in the Arab world, surpassing the U.S. in some popularity polls.
However, the rise of a new Syrian government under Ahmed al-Sharaa has created security concerns for China.
Uyghur Militants in Syria’s New Power Structure
Uyghur militants from the East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) now hold important positions in Syria’s new army.
ETIM fighters have been closely linked with jihadist groups like IS and Al Qaeda since the Syrian civil war began.
In the new Damascus regime, Uyghurs have gone from fighters to military commanders, raising alarms in Beijing.
One key Uyghur figure is Abdulaziz Dawood Khodaberdi, a former ETIM commander, now in a senior military role.
China’s Strategic Dilemma
China previously relied on the U.S. “war on terror” to justify crackdowns on Uyghur militants.
The U.S. removed ETIM from its terror list in 2020, weakening China’s global narrative on the group.
Unlike the Taliban in Afghanistan (which relocated Uyghur militants away from China’s border), the new Syrian regime is officially elevating them, complicating China’s regional interests.
Geopolitical Tensions and Diplomatic Challenges
Western powers are engaging with Syria’s new leadership to ensure regional stability and limit influence from China, Russia, and Iran.
China has raised concerns about Uyghur militants at the United Nations, but its options are limited.
Israel remains active in Syria, and tensions between Israel and China over Gaza add further strain.
Even Arab allies like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have accepted the new Syrian regime, pushing China into a strategic rethink.
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